Hybrid electric vehicle control system and method

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a control system for a hybrid electric vehicle ( 100 ), the vehicle having a powertrain ( 135 ) comprising at least one electric propulsion motor ( 123 ) and at least one engine ( 121 ), the control system being operable to control the vehicle to operate in an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the at least one engine remains switched off and the at least one electric propulsion motor is configured to deliver drive torque and a boost mode in which the at least one engine is switched on to provide additional power to drive the vehicle. When the vehicle is operating in EV mode the system is further operable to determine whether a boost location exists ahead of the vehicle being a location at which a gradient of a driving surface is sufficiently high to require selection of the boost mode, the control system being operable automatically to command starting of the at least one engine before the boost location is reached.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 35 U.S.C. §371 national stage application of PCTApplication No. PCT/EP2013/076121, filed on Dec. 10, 2013, which claimspriority from Great Britain Patent Application No. 1222182.6, filed onDec. 10, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties. The above-referenced PCT InternationalApplication was published in the English language as InternationalPublication No. WO 2014/090820 A1 on Jun. 19, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle and method of controlthereof. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to ahybrid electric vehicle and a method of controlling a hybrid electricvehicle.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide a hybrid electric vehicle having a powertrainthat includes an engine and an electric propulsion motor. In so-calledparallel hybrid vehicles the engine and electric propulsion motor areeach operable to deliver tractive or motive torque to drive the vehicle.

In some parallel hybrid vehicles the powertrain is operable in aparallel mode in which the engine and propulsion motor deliver drivetorque or an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the electric propulsionmotor alone delivers drive torque and the engine remains off.

In some known hybrid vehicles, if the vehicle is driving in EV mode andthe propulsion motor is unable to deliver the amount of torque demandedby the driver, the vehicle may switch on the engine automatically inorder to meet the driver demand for torque.

The present applicant has recognised that an amount of noise, vibrationand harshness (NVH) associated with a transition of the powertrain fromEV mode to parallel mode when driver demand is sufficiently high can beundesirable. Drivability of a vehicle can be adversely affected due tothe time required for the transition to be made (i.e. the powertrainresponse time). Furthermore excessive component wear such as engineand/or clutch wear may be incurred by relatively sudden demands fortorque from a stopped engine. Embodiments of the invention seek tomitigate one or more of the above mentioned problems.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention provide a system, a vehicle and amethod as claimed in the appended claims.

In one aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there isprovided a control system for a hybrid electric vehicle, the vehiclehaving a powertrain comprising at least one electric propulsion motorand at least one engine, the control system being operable to controlthe vehicle to operate in an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the atleast one engine remains switched off and the at least one electricpropulsion motor is configured to deliver drive torque and a boost modein which the at least one engine is switched on to provide additionalpower to drive the vehicle, wherein when the vehicle is operating in EVmode the system is further operable to determine whether a boostlocation exists ahead of the vehicle being a location at which agradient of a driving surface is sufficiently high to require selectionof the boost mode, the control system being operable automatically tocommand starting of the at least one engine before the boost location isreached.

It is to be understood that in EV mode the engine is switched off andthe at least one electric machine is configured to deliver drive torqueeven if the at least one electric machine does not deliver drive torquecontinually. That is, in EV mode the at least one electric machinedelivers required drive torque, but if no drive torque is required at agiven moment in time the at least one electric machine may ceasedelivery of drive torque, the vehicle being considered to remain in EVmode even whilst the at least one electric machine is not deliveringdrive torque provided the engine remains switched off.

In embodiments of the control system, in the boost mode the additionalpower to drive the vehicle is preferably that power additional to thepower providable by the at least one electric propulsion motor which isrequired to drive the vehicle at a desired vehicle speed. The boostlocation may be a location at which a gradient of a driving surface issufficiently high to require selection of the boost mode in order tomaintain the desired vehicle speed.

By “additional power” is preferably meant that motive power, in additionto the or any drive-torque-delivering power able to be provided by theat least one electric propulsion motor, which is required in order todrive the vehicle at the desired vehicle speed. Such additional powerprovided by the at least one engine in order to drive the vehicle in theboost mode is thus preferably additional to any drive torque provided bythe at least one electric propulsion motor, which may or not be requiredto provide drive torque when the vehicle is operated in the boost mode.Thus, in the boost mode the at least one electric propulsion motor maybe set to a non-drive torque producing condition such as an idlingcondition. In some embodiments the at least one electric propulsionmotor may be operable as a generator and be caused to operate as agenerator when the vehicle is in the boost mode. The at least oneelectric propulsion motor may be configured to operate as a generator atleast in part in dependence on the amount of drive torque required at agiven moment in time and, optionally, a state of charge of an energystorage device such as a battery.

It is to be understood that if the engine is capable of delivering therequired amount of drive torque to a driveline of a vehicle at a givenmoment in time whilst the boost mode is selected and the engine is alsocapable of driving a generator to recharge a battery of the vehicle, thevehicle control system may cause the engine to drive the generator togenerate charge.

The desired vehicle speed may for example be a current driving speed ofthe vehicle, or some other speed desired by the driver, such as amaximum permitted speed (e.g. a legal speed limit) or an optimum speeddictated by the driving or road conditions, or some other drivingparameter. Alternatively the desired speed may be a target speed of aspeed control system such as a cruise control system of the vehicle.

Thus in some embodiments of the control system the system is operable toallow a driver to set a target vehicle speed and to control thepowertrain to maintain the target vehicle speed, and wherein the boostlocation is a location at which a gradient of a driving surface issufficiently high to require selection of the boost mode in order tomaintain the target vehicle speed.

Thus in some embodiments of the above-defined system aspect of theinvention there is provided a control system for a hybrid electricvehicle, the vehicle having a powertrain comprising at least oneelectric propulsion motor and at least one engine, the control systembeing operable to control the vehicle to operate in an electric vehicle(EV) mode in which the at least one engine remains switched off and theat least one electric propulsion motor is configured to deliver drivetorque and a boost mode in which the at least one engine is switched onto provide additional power to drive the vehicle, the system beingoperable to allow a driver to set a target vehicle speed and to controlthe powertrain to maintain the target vehicle speed, wherein when thevehicle is operating in EV mode the system is further operable todetermine whether a boost location exists ahead of the vehicle being alocation at which a gradient of a driving surface is sufficiently highto require assumption of the boost mode in order to maintain the targetvehicle speed, the control system being operable automatically tocommand starting of the at least one engine before the boost location isreached.

Some embodiments of the invention have the advantage that a hybridvehicle may be operated in a manner wherein noise, vibration and/orharshness associated with a transition from an EV mode to a boost mode,such as a parallel mode in the case of a parallel hybrid electricvehicle, when additional power is required to drive the vehicle may bereduced. In some embodiments drivability may be improved. In the case ofa parallel hybrid electric vehicle, the boost mode may be a parallelmode in which an engine delivers drive torque to a driveline of avehicle in addition to or instead of at least one electric machine.

The at least one engine may comprise an internal combustion engine.

Advantageously the control system may be operable to command starting ofthe at least one engine sufficiently in advance of arrival at the boostlocation that the at least one engine may provide additional powersubstantially at that location.

The system may be operable to determine when to start the at least oneengine in dependence on an amount of time required to start the at leastone engine and an amount of time required to deliver power to drive thevehicle by means of the at least one engine following starting of the atleast one engine. The amount of time required to start the at least oneengine and/or to deliver power to drive the vehicle may be determinedtaking into account one or more vehicle or engine operating parameters.

The system may be operable to control the vehicle to operate in aparallel HEV mode in which the at least one engine delivers drive torqueto drive the vehicle.

In the case of a parallel hybrid vehicle the time to deliver power maycorrespond to the time required to match the speed of the at least oneengine to that of a driveline of the vehicle and connect the at leastone engine to the driveline, for example by closing a clutch in someembodiments, thereby to deliver additional drive torque directly fromthe engine. he boost mode may therefore be referred to as an engine-onmode or parallel mode. As noted above, in some embodiments, in the boostmode the system may be configured to cause the engine to deliver drivetorque in addition to at least one electric machine (which may bereferred to as a parallel boost mode, not to be confused with a boostmode) as noted above, or to cause the engine to generate drive torqueand the at least one electric machine to be operated in an idlecondition (which may be referred to as a parallel idle mode),substantially stationary condition, or operated as a generator driven bythe engine (which may be referred to as a parallel recharge mode).Whether the at least one electric machine delivers positive drive torquemay be determined by the system at least in part by reference to themagnitude of the driver demanded torque, the amount of torque the engineis capable of producing, a state of charge of an energy storage devicesuch as a battery, and/or one or more other parameters in addition orinstead. In some embodiments, in the boost mode the engine and at leastone electric machine are both configured to deliver positive drivetorque regardless of the amount of driver demanded torque, i.e. in theboost mode the vehicle assumes the parallel boost mode.

In addition or instead the system may be operable to control the vehicleto operate in a series HEV mode in which the at least one engine drivesa generator to generate electricity to power the at least one electricpropulsion motor.

It is to be understood that in some series hybrid vehicles thepowertrain may be unable to deliver sufficient electric current to theat least one electric propulsion motor to maintain a required speedwithout starting the at least one engine. This may for example be due toa limitation on an amount of current that a battery of the vehicle maydeliver at a given moment in time. Accordingly the vehicle may beoperable to allow additional charge to be generated by means of one ormore generators powered by the at least one engine in order to generateadditional current for the at least one electric propulsion motor andallow the vehicle to maintain a target speed after reaching the boostlocation.

Advantageously when the vehicle is operating in the boost mode thecontrol system may be operable to identify an EV mode location being alocation ahead of the vehicle at which a gradient of the driving surfacewill be sufficiently low to allow resumption of operation in EV modewhilst allowing the target speed to be maintained.

Further advantageously, the system may be further arranged to determinea location of the next boost location ahead of the next EV modelocation.

The system may be operable to over-ride assumption of the EV mode at thenext EV mode location if a time to travel from the next EV mode locationto the following boost location is less than a prescribed time or adistance between the locations is less than a prescribed value.

Optionally, when the vehicle is operating in boost mode the system maybe operable to assume EV mode in advance of arrival at an EV modelocation if the system determines that EV mode may be assumed without adrop in vehicle speed exceeding a prescribed value before the EV modelocation is reached.

Thus the control system may pre-empt stopping of the at least one enginewhen the EV mode location is reached by stopping the at least one enginebefore the EV mode location is reached. The control system may firstensure that a drop in speed of the vehicle will not exceed a prescribedvalue before permitting early assumption of EV mode. The vehicle may beconfigured to estimate a drop in speed of the vehicle in dependence ondata in respect of a gradient of the driving surface ahead of thevehicle, an estimate of a weight of the vehicle and optionally one ormore further parameters such as a determination as to whether thevehicle is towing a load, an amount of drag associated with vehiclemotion and one or more further parameters in addition or instead.

Advantageously the system may be operable to determine whether EV modemay be assumed in advance of arrival at the EV mode location without adrop in vehicle speed exceeding a prescribed value in further dependenceon at least one selected from amongst a current speed of the vehicle anda current rate of acceleration of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, early assumption of EV mode is permitted only if acurrent speed of the vehicle exceeds a prescribed value. In addition orinstead, in some embodiments early assumption of EV mode is permittedonly if a current rate of acceleration is not negative (i.e. if thevehicle is not decelerating). In some embodiments a current rate ofacceleration of the vehicle must be positive.

The control system may be operable in a first mode in which a targetspeed set by the driver is maintained with the at least one enginemaintained switched off and a second mode in which a target speed set bythe driver is maintained without inhibiting stopping and starting of theat least one engine.

The control system may be operable to start the at least one engine inadvance of arrival at the boost location only if the control system isoperated in the first mode.

Advantageously the system may comprise location determining means, thesystem being operable to receive data in respect of vehicle location andto determine driving surface gradient in dependence on the vehiclelocation data.

The location determining means may comprise one or more selected fromamongst a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and a cellularnetwork location determination system.

The system may be operable to access a database containing datacorresponding to a height or altitude of a driving surface as a functionof location and to calculate a gradient of a driving surface ahead ofthe vehicle in dependence on said data and the data in respect of thelocation of the vehicle.

The system may be operable to access a database containing data inrespect of driving surface gradient as a function of location and todetermine a gradient of a driving surface ahead of the vehicle independence on the data in respect of the location of the vehicle.

In some embodiments of the control system of the above aspect of theinvention the system may be operable automatically to command startingof the at least one engine before the boost location is reachedregardless of whether or not a target vehicle speed has been set by thedriver and the powertrain is controlled to maintain the target vehiclespeed. Thus some embodiments of the control system may be applicable toa hybrid electric vehicle regardless of whether or not a cruise controlsystem it includes is actually operative or in use, or even regardlessof whether or not the vehicle includes a cruise control system at all.

In a further aspect of the invention for which protection is soughtthere is provided a hybrid electric vehicle comprising a systemaccording to a preceding aspect or any embodiment thereof.

In another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought thereis provided a method of controlling a hybrid electric vehicle by meansof a control system, the vehicle having a powertrain comprising at leastone electric propulsion motor and at least one engine, the methodcomprising controlling the powertrain to operate in an electric vehicle(EV) mode in which the at least one engine remains switched off and theat least one electric propulsion motor is configured to deliver drivetorque or a boost mode in which the at least one engine is switched onto provide additional power to drive the vehicle, wherein when in EVmode the method comprises determining by means of the control systemwhether a boost location exists ahead of the vehicle being a location atwhich a gradient of a driving surface is sufficiently high to requireassumption of the boost mode, and wherein if a boost location isidentified ahead of the vehicle the method comprises commandingautomatically by means of the control system starting of the at leastone engine before the boost location is reached.

In embodiments of the method, in the boost mode the additional power todrive the vehicle is preferably that power additional to the powerprovided by the at least one electric propulsion motor which is requiredto drive the vehicle at a desired vehicle speed, and wherein the boostlocation is a location at which a gradient of a driving surface issufficiently high to require selection of the boost mode in order tomaintain the desired vehicle speed.

As in other aspects of the invention, by “additional power” ispreferably meant that motive power, in addition to the or anydrive-torque-delivering power able to be provided by the at least oneelectric propulsion motor, which is required in order to drive thevehicle at the desired vehicle speed. Such additional power provided bythe at least one engine in order to drive the vehicle in the boost modeis thus preferably additional to any non-drive-torque-delivering powerprovided by the at least one electric propulsion motor, which may forexample be substantially stationary, idling or being used as agenerator.

The desired vehicle speed may for example be a current driving speed ofthe vehicle, or some other speed desired by the driver, such as amaximum permitted speed (e.g. a legal speed limit) or an optimum speeddictated by the driving or road conditions, or some other drivingparameter. Alternatively the desired speed may be a target speed of acruise control system of the vehicle.

Thus in some embodiments of the method the method comprises allowing adriver to set a target vehicle speed and controlling the powertrain bymeans of the control system to maintain the target vehicle speed, andwherein the boost location may be a location at which a gradient of adriving surface is sufficiently high to require assumption of the boostmode in order to maintain the target vehicle speed.

Thus in some embodiments of the above-defined method aspect of theinvention there is provided a method of controlling a hybrid electricvehicle by means of a control system, the vehicle having a powertraincomprising at least one electric propulsion motor and at least oneengine, the method comprising controlling the powertrain to operate inan electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the at least one engine remainsswitched off and the at least one electric propulsion motor deliversdrive torque or a boost mode in which the at least one engine isswitched on to provide additional power to drive the vehicle, the methodcomprising allowing a driver to set a target vehicle speed andcontrolling the powertrain by means of the control system to maintainthe target vehicle speed, wherein when in EV mode the method comprisesdetermining by means of the control system whether a boost locationexists ahead of the vehicle being a location at which a gradient of adriving surface is sufficiently high to require assumption of the boostmode in order to maintain the target vehicle speed, and whereby if aboost location is identified ahead of the vehicle the method comprisescommanding automatically by means of the control system starting of theat least one engine before the boost location is reached.

The method may comprise controlling the powertrain to operate in aparallel recharge mode in which the engine drives a generator torecharge a battery of the vehicle, optionally the generator beingprovided by the electric propulsion motor operating in a generator mode.

In a further aspect of the invention for which protection is soughtthere is provided a hybrid electric vehicle comprising: control means;and a powertrain comprising at least one electric propulsion motor andat least one engine, the powertrain being operable by the control meansin an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the at least one engineremains switched off and the at least one electric propulsion motordelivers drive torque and a boost mode in which the at least one engineis switched on to provide additional power to drive the vehicle, thecontrol means being operable to allow a driver to set a target vehiclespeed and to control the powertrain to maintain the target vehiclespeed, wherein when in boost mode the control means is further operableto determine whether an EV mode location exists ahead of the vehiclebeing a location at which a gradient of a driving surface issufficiently low to allow assumption of the EV mode whilst maintainingthe target vehicle speed to within a prescribed amount, the controlmeans being operable to allow assumption of the EV mode before the EVmode location is reached responsive to a determination that a drop invehicle speed before reaching the EV mode location will not exceed theprescribed amount.

Embodiments of the invention may have the advantage that the at leastone engine may be stopped in advance of arrival at the EV mode locationwithout substantially compromising vehicle performance. A reduction infuel consumption and vehicle emissions may therefore be enjoyed.

In one aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there isprovided a control system for a hybrid electric vehicle, the vehiclehaving a powertrain comprising at least one electric propulsion motorand at least one engine, the control system being operable to controlthe vehicle to operate in an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the atleast one engine remains switched off and the at least one electricpropulsion motor delivers drive torque and an engine-on mode in whichthe at least one engine is switched on to provide power to drive thevehicle, wherein when the vehicle is operating in EV mode the system isfurther operable to determine whether an engine-on location exists aheadof the vehicle being a location at which a gradient of a driving surfaceis sufficiently high to require selection of the engine-on mode, thecontrol system being operable automatically to command starting of theat least one engine before the engine-on location is reached.

In a further aspect of the invention for which protection is soughtthere is provided a hybrid electric vehicle comprising: control means; apowertrain comprising at least one electric propulsion motor; at leastone engine, the powertrain being operable by the control means in anelectric vehicle (EV) mode in which the at least one engine remainsswitched off and the at least one electric propulsion motor deliversdrive torque and a boost mode in which the at least one engine isswitched on to provide additional power to drive the vehicle, whereinwhen in boost mode the control means is further operable to determinewhether an EV mode location exists ahead of the vehicle being a locationat which a gradient of a driving surface is sufficiently low to allowassumption of the EV mode whilst maintaining the target vehicle speed towithin a prescribed amount, the control means being operable to allowassumption of the EV mode before the EV mode location is reachedresponsive to a determination that a drop in vehicle speed beforereaching the EV mode location will not exceed the prescribed amount.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a hybrid electricvehicle being a host vehicle comprising: control means such as acontroller; and a powertrain comprising at least one electric propulsionmotor and at least one engine. The powertrain may be operable by thecontrol means in an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the at least oneengine remains switched off and the at least one electric propulsionmotor is operable to deliver drive torque and a boost mode in which theat least one engine is switched on to provide additional power to drivethe vehicle as required. The control means may be operable to allow adriver to set a target vehicle speed and to control the powertrain tomaintain the target vehicle speed. Optionally, when in EV mode thecontrol means may be further operable to determine whether a boostlocation exists ahead of the vehicle. The boost location may be alocation at which a gradient of a driving surface is sufficiently highto require assumption of the boost mode in order to maintain the targetvehicle speed. The control means may be operable to command starting ofthe at least one engine before the boost location is reached.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the variousaspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives, and in particular theindividual features thereof, set out in the preceding paragraphs, in theclaims and/or in the following description and drawings, may be takenindependently or in any combination. For example features described inconnection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unlesssuch features are incompatible.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is to be understood that featuresdescribed with respect to one aspect of the invention may be includedwithin any other aspect of the invention, alone or in appropriatecombination with one or more other features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a method of operation of a hybridelectric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a method of operation of a hybridelectric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a method of operation of a hybridelectric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 has an internalcombustion engine 121 and associated engine controller 121C. The engine121 is releasably coupled to a crankshaft integrated motor/generator(CIMG) 123 by means of a clutch 122. The CIMG 123 is in turn coupled toan automatic transmission 124. It is to be understood that in someembodiments the transmission 124 may be a manual transmission instead ofan automatic transmission. The transmission may comprise a manualgearbox, a continually variable transmission or any other suitabletransmission. It is to be further understood that other electricmachines are also useful as well as or instead of a CIMG. The electricmachine may be situated at any suitable position in the powertrain, forexample in a rear drive unit such as a rear differential, particularlyin front engined vehicles and a front drive unit such as a frontdifferential, particularly in the case of rear engined vehicles, or anyother suitable location.

The transmission 124 is coupled in turn to a driveline 130. Thedriveline 130, transmission, CIMG 123, clutch 122 and engine 121 may bereferred to collectively as a powertrain 135.

The powertrain 135 is operable to provide drive torque to thetransmission 124 by means of the engine 121 alone, the CIMG 123 alone orthe engine 121 and CIMG 123 in parallel. The vehicle 100 may thereforebe referred to as a parallel-type hybrid vehicle. However, it is to beunderstood that embodiments of the present invention are also suitablefor use with series-type hybrid vehicles in which only one or moreelectric machines are operable to provide motive torque, i.e. operableas propulsion motors.

In series-type hybrid vehicles an engine is provided for generatingcharge to power the one or more electric machines and not for providingdirect drive torque. In some series-type hybrid vehicles the engine maybe employed to generate charge to drive the one or more electricmachines as propulsion motors whilst the motors are providing propulsionto the vehicle in addition to or instead of a battery of the vehicle inorder to enable more power to be delivered to the motors. Embodiments ofthe invention are also useful in hybrid vehicles having a powertrain 135that is operable in either of a parallel or series mode.

It is to be understood that embodiments of the present invention aresuitable for use with vehicles having a variety of powertrainarrangements including vehicles in which the transmission 124 isarranged to drive only a pair of front wheels 111, 112 or only a pair ofrear wheels 114, 115, i.e. front wheel drive or rear wheel drivevehicles in addition to four wheel drive, all wheel drive or selectabletwo wheel drive/four wheel drive vehicles. Embodiments of the inventionare also suitable for vehicles having fewer than four wheels or morethan four wheels.

The vehicle 100 has a battery 150 connected to an inverter 151 thatgenerates a three-phase electrical supply that is supplied to the CIMG123 when the CIMG 123 is operated as a motor. The battery 150 is alsoarranged to receive charge from the CIMG 123 when the CIMG 123 isoperated as a generator. In the present embodiment the CIMG 123 may beoperated as a generator driven by the engine 121 or by vehicle inertiain order to provide regenerative braking functionality. A brakecontroller 191C is arranged to control application of friction brakingand/or regenerative braking according to a brake control methodology.According to this methodology, if the amount of required braking such asdriver demanded braking can be met by regenerative braking, regenerativebraking is employed. If it cannot, then friction braking is employed.

The powertrain 135 is configured to operate in one of a hybrid electricvehicle (HEV) mode, an EV inhibit mode and a selectable electric vehicleonly (EV-only) mode according to the state of a HEV mode selector 169.

In the HEV mode of operation the powertrain 135 is arranged to operatein one of a parallel boost mode, a parallel recharge mode, a parallel‘idle’ mode and a vehicle-selected EV mode.

In the parallel boost mode the engine 121 and CIMG 123 both applypositive torque to the transmission 124 (i.e. clutch 122 is closed) todrive the vehicle 100. In the parallel recharge mode the engine 121applies a positive torque whilst the CIMG 123 applies a negative torquewhereby charge is generated by the CIMG 123 to charge the battery 150.In the parallel idle mode the engine 121 applies a positive torque (ornegative compression braking torque) whilst the CIMG 123 appliessubstantially no torque. It is to be understood that parallel idle modeis distinct from an engine idle mode in which the engine runs at an idlespeed. In the vehicle-selected EV mode (and in the driver selectedEV-only mode) the clutch 122 is opened and the engine 121 is switchedoff.

The vehicle 100 has a controller 140 configured when the vehicle is inthe HEV mode of operation to control the powertrain 135 to operate inthe parallel boost mode, parallel recharge mode, parallel ‘idle’ mode orvehicle-selected EV mode according to an energy management strategyimplemented by the controller 140. The energy management strategy mayalso be referred to as a HEV control methodology.

It is to be understood that when the powertrain 135 is in HEV mode thecontroller 140 is configured to determine a target torque that is to bedeveloped by each of the engine 121 and CIMG 123 at least in part independence on an amount of driver demanded torque at a given moment intime. The controller 140 then causes the engine 121 and CIMG 123 toapply the respective target torques to an input shaft of thetransmission 124. For example, if the controller 140 determines thatoperation in vehicle-selected EV mode is required, the controller 140sets the target torque from the engine 121 to zero and provides acontrol signal to switch off the engine 121. If the controller 140determines that both the engine 121 and CIMG 123 are required to applypositive torque to the driveline 130 the controller 140 controls theengine 121 and CIMG 123 to provide the required values. If thecontroller 140 determines that the battery 150 is required to becharged, the CIMG 123 is controlled to apply a prescribed negativetorque to the driveline 130 whereby the CIMG 123 acts as a generator togenerate charge to charge the battery 150.

It is to be understood that other arrangements may also be useful.

If the driver selects operation in the EV inhibit mode, the controller140 is configured not to allow automatic stopping of the engine 121.Rather, the controller 140 maintains the engine 121 running throughoutthe course of a drivecycle. In some embodiments, in EV inhibit mode thevehicle is controlled such that the when drive torque is required thedrive torque is delivered by the engine 121 alone or the engine 121 incombination with the CIMG 123.

If the driver selects operation of the vehicle 100 in EV-only mode andthe engine 121 is running, the vehicle 100 is configured to open theclutch 122 and to switch off the engine 121. Again, the CIMG 123 is thenoperated either as a motor or as a generator. It is to be understoodthat the CIMG 123 may be arranged to act as a generator in the EV-onlymode in order to effect regenerative braking of the vehicle 100 andemulate engine over-run/compression braking torque.

The vehicle has an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system 110A operable toimplement an adaptive cruise control methodology. The ACC system 110A isoperable to allow a driver to set a target speed target_speed being aspeed that the ACC system 110A will seek to control the vehicle 100 tomaintain in the absence of slower traffic ahead of the vehicle 100. Thevehicle 100 may be referred to as a ‘host’ vehicle 100 since it hoststhe ACC system 110A.

When the host vehicle 100 is behind a followed vehicle the system 110Ais configured to allow a driver to set a driver desired distanced_driver from the followed vehicle being the distance the driver wishesto maintain behind the followed vehicle subject to the limitation thatthe speed of the host vehicle is not to exceed the target speedtarget_speed. In a normal (or conventional) cruise mode of operation,the ACC system 110A is arranged to maintain a distance behind thefollowed vehicle that is substantially equal to d_driver. The ACC system110A determines the distance between the host vehicle 100 and followedvehicle by means of a radar module 101R.

In the present embodiment, the driver selects the driver desireddistance d_driver from one of three distance settings (setting 1,setting 2 or setting 3) corresponding to successively greater followingdistances. The actual value to which d_driver is set depends on whethersetting 1, setting 2 or setting 3 is selected by the driver and thespeed of the vehicle 100. The greater the speed of the vehicle, thegreater the value of d_driver set by the system 110A for a givingsetting (i.e. setting 1, 2 or 3). Other arrangements are also useful,such as other numbers of settings. In some embodiments only one settingis available, whilst in others a plurality of settings are available.

In some embodiments, in addition or instead the ACC system 110A may beoperable to allow the driver to command the system 110A to maintain adistance behind the followed vehicle 100′ corresponding to a currentdistance of the following (or host) vehicle 100 behind the followedvehicle 100′, i.e. d_driver is set to the current distance behind thefollowed vehicle 100′. The value of d_driver set in this manner maysubsequently be changed or adjusted by the system 110A as a function ofspeed of the vehicle 100 in some embodiments.

The ACC system 110A is also operable in an economy (or ECO) mode ofoperation. In this mode the ACC system 110A seeks to maintain operationof the vehicle 100 using the most efficient means for longer than mightotherwise be the case in a non-ECO mode. In order to accomplish this,when operating in ECO mode the ACC system 110A is arranged to modify oradapt one or more gear shift maps employed by the powertrain 135 inorder to increase a likelihood that an amount of torque that may bedeveloped by the powertrain 135 when in EV mode will be sufficient toprovide required or adequate vehicle performance such as a required oradequate rate of acceleration. Furthermore, the ACC system 110A may bearranged to limit a rate of acceleration that it is permitted to demandfrom the powertrain 135. This has the advantage that a risk that thepowertrain switches from EV mode to a parallel mode, requiring runningof a fuel burning propulsion motor such as engine 121, may be reduced.

By adequate vehicle performance is included an ability to deliver atleast a minimum rate of acceleration under a given one or moreconditions.

In some embodiments, if the ACC system 110A is operating in the economymode and operation in a parallel mode is mandated, the powertrain 135may be configured to continue to employ the same or a similar gear shiftmap as it employs when operating in EV mode. It is to be understood thatother arrangements may also be useful.

When the vehicle 100 is operating in driver-selected EV mode and the ACCsystem 110A is operating in ECO mode, the controller 140 is configuredto implement a methodology for predicting in advance a requirement tostart the engine 121 due to the presence of an incline ahead of thevehicle 100 as discussed in more detail below. That is, the controller140 seeks to predict when it may be required to operate in a parallelmode such as the parallel boost mode in order to deliver sufficienttorque to maintain a target speed set by the ACC system 110A and avoid adip in the acceleration profile of the vehicle. The controller 140 isfurther operable to start the engine 121 in advance of the time (orlocation) at which engine start is expected to be required so that theengine 121 is ready to deliver the required torque at the required timeor location. In some embodiments, if an engine start 121 is required inorder to meet drive torque demand when operating in EV mode, thecontroller 140 causes the vehicle to operate in the parallel boost modewherein the engine 121 and CIMG 123 both provide drive torque, i.e. theCIMG 123 continually delivers drive torque whilst the engine 121 iscaused to supplement the amount of drive torque delivered by the CIMG123. This can result in a reduction in NVH associated with a transitionfrom EV mode to a parallel mode. That is the amount of NVH associatedwith a transition from EV mode to a parallel boost mode may be less thanthat associated with a transition from EV mode to another parallel modesuch as parallel idle mode or parallel recharge mode. It is to beunderstood that in some embodiments the controller 140 may be configuredto cause the vehicle (or powertrain) to assume the parallel boost modeeven under circumstances where the engine 121 is capable of deliveringthe required drive torque with the CIMG 123 idling, and/or with the CIMGoperating as a generator. This feature may offer the advantage ofreduced NVH as stated above.

In some embodiments the controller 140 may be configured to implementthis predictive methodology whenever the vehicle is operating in an EVmode, regardless of whether the ACC system 110A is operating in ECO modeor a normal mode. In some embodiments the controller 140 may beconfigured to implement the methodology whenever the vehicle isoperating in an EV mode even if the ACC system 110A is not in use. Inembodiments in which the controller 140 may implement the methodologywith the ACC system 110A switched off, the controller 140 may considerthe value of ‘target_speed’ to correspond to a current or a desiredspeed of the vehicle and determine whether that current or desired speedcan be maintained without switching to a parallel mode.

The controller 140 is provided with access to data in respect of analtitude of a driving surface along a route the vehicle is following anddata in respect of a current location of the vehicle 100. In the presentembodiment location information is provided by means of a globalpositioning system (GPS) device 143. Other location determination meansare also useful, such as cellular network-based systems, for examplegeneral packet radio service (GPRS)-based systems or the like. Data inrespect of a gradient ahead of the controller 140 may be provided bymeans of a database such as an ADASIS (Advanced Driver AssistanceSystems Interface Specifications) database or like database. In someembodiments the controller 140 may be configured to calculate a gradientof a driving surface by means of a gradient estimation function incombination with surface height data. The controller 140 may also beprovided with data corresponding to vehicle weight. In some embodimentsthe controller 140 may employ a weight estimation function. The weightestimation function may estimate vehicle weight by reference to one ormore vehicle parameters such as actual rate of acceleration for a givenpowertrain torque, selected gear and surface gradient. Otherarrangements may also be useful.

The controller 140 is configured to process data in respect of the routethe vehicle 100 is following and to determine whether an inclination ofthe driving surface up to a prescribed distance ahead of the vehicle 100is such that operation of the vehicle 100 in a parallel mode will berequired. The determination as to whether an engine start will berequired may take into account one or more parameters associated withthe route, for example whether a speed limit is imposed on the route,and a current speed of the vehicle. The controller 140 may be configuredto assume that the vehicle 100 will maintain a current speed unless achange in speed limit is detected ahead of the vehicle. Where a changein speed limit is detected the controller 140 may be configured toassume that the vehicle 100 will travel at the new speed limit once thevehicle has passed the location at which the speed limit changes.

If the vehicle 100 is following another vehicle (the ‘followed vehicle’)the controller 140 may be configured to assume that the vehicle 100 willmaintain the current speed unless a change in speed limit occurs aheadof the vehicle. If such a change in speed limit is detected thecontroller 140 may be configured to assume that the followed vehiclewill drive at the speed limit imposed on the route once the speed limithas changed, and therefore that the speed of the host vehicle 100 willchange accordingly. Other arrangements may also be useful.

It is to be understood that in some embodiments, where a speed limitahead of the vehicle 100 increases the controller 140 may be configuredto take into account the fact that a driver may wish to accelerate tothe new speed limit even if the driving surface is upwardly inclined atthe location at which the speed limit increases such that the vehicle100 would be required to accelerate uphill. The controller 140 maydetermine that operation in a parallel mode will be required in order topermit such acceleration even if such operation would not be required ifthe vehicle were not required to accelerate, but was already travellingat the new (higher) speed limit.

If the controller 140 determines that operation in a parallel mode islikely to be required, the controller 140 is configured to determine atwhat location of the route operation in a parallel mode will berequired. This location will be referred to as a boost location.

The controller 140 then determines a length of time required for torquedelivery from the engine 121 to the driveline 130 to take place, fromthe moment operation in a parallel mode is commanded, when operating inEV. This period may be referred to as a ‘time to torque period’,time_to_torque. Thus it is to be understood that in the presentembodiment the time_to_torque period includes the time required for theclutch 122 to be closed, connecting the engine 121 to the driveline 130,rather than only the time to start the engine and increase engine speedto a desired value.

In some embodiments, in order to determine the length of thetime_to_torque period, the controller 140 determines how long the engine121 should be allowed to run in advance of delivering drive torque inorder to warm to a sufficiently high temperature to efficiently providedrive torque. This period may be referred to as a ‘time to warm’ period,time_to_warm. The time_to_warm period may be a substantially fixedperiod, or a period determined responsive to one or more parameters suchas current engine coolant or oil temperature, ambient temperature andvehicle speed.

It is to be understood that in some embodiments the controller maydetermine a rate of cooling of the engine 121 from its currenttemperature, and a rate of warming of the engine 121 once the engine 121is restarted, in order to determine the time_to_warm period. Thetemperature at which torque may be efficiently provided may be asubstantially fixed temperature, or a temperature that is dependent onone or more of the above mentioned parameters.

In some embodiments the time_to_warm period may be a substantially fixedperiod regardless of ambient temperature and current temperature. Insome alternative embodiments the time_to_warm period may be dependent oncurrent coolant temperature regardless of ambient temperature, orresponsive to an amount of time that has elapsed since the engine waslast switched off. Other arrangements may also be useful.

In some embodiments the controller 140 takes account of the temperatureof an engine aftertreatment apparatus in order to ensure that acatalytic converter is at a sufficiently high temperature to achieverequired aftertreatment operation when engine torque delivery isrequired. In vehicles having an aftertreatment apparatus indicator lampor other signal indicating the aftertreatment apparatus is not at asufficiently high temperature the controller 140 may seek to ensure thatthis signal indicates that the apparatus is at a sufficiently hightemperature before engine torque delivery is required.

In the present embodiment the controller 140 also takes into account anamount of time required for the engine 121 to be accelerated to a speedmatching the speed of the CIMG 123, before the clutch 122 is closed, andthe time required for the clutch 122 to close. This period may bereferred to as a time_to_connect period. It is to be understood that thetime_to_torque period may be considered to be the sum of thetime_to_warm period and the time_to_connect period. Thus in the presentembodiment the time_to_warm period includes the time required to startthe engine from stationary. Other arrangements may also be useful.

It is to be understood that in some embodiments no engine warming periodis included. Thus the time_to_torque period corresponds to the sum ofthe time required to start the engine, and the time_to_connect period.

Once the time_to_torque period has been determined, the controller 140determines a location at which engine start should be commanded in orderto allow a period of time substantially equal to the time_to_torqueperiod to elapse before the boost location is reached. In someembodiments the controller 140 is arranged to command an engine start ata time in advance of reaching the boost location that is substantiallyequal to the time_to_torque period plus a delay offset perioddelay_period. The delay offset period may be useful in accommodating anydifference between the actual time (and distance) required to warm theengine and the value of time_to_torque determined by the controller 140.It may also be useful in accommodating any difference between the actuallocation at which operation in a parallel mode is required and the boostlocation as determined by the controller 140. Thus a risk that thepowertrain is not already in a parallel mode when the actual location atwhich operation in a parallel mode is required may be reduced.

It is to be understood that in the present embodiment, although thecontroller 140 prepares to operate the vehicle 100 in the parallel boostmode when the boost location is reached, in some embodiments thecontroller 140 may only command delivery of torque from the engine 121when an amount of torque demanded from the powertrain by the ACCcontroller 110A or driver (via the accelerator pedal 181) exceeds thatwhich may be provided by the CIMG 123 alone substantially at that momentin time. Other arrangements are also useful.

It is to be understood that if the controller 140 has correctlydetermined the value of distance_to_torque, the controller 140 maycontrol the vehicle to couple the engine 121 to the transmission 124 byclosing the clutch 122 at or immediately before the boost location isreached. Thus, it is ensured that when the additional torque from theengine 121 is required, the clutch 122 is already closed. This has theadvantage that in some embodiments noise, vibration and/or harshness(NVH) associated with engine starting and clutch closure may be reduced,particularly when operating in high torque demand situations.

Some embodiments of the invention have the advantage that drive torquefrom the engine 121 may be provided more quickly in some embodiments,since a delay in delivering torque due to engine starting and clutchclosure after reaching a location at which a parallel mode is requiredmay be substantially eliminated. Furthermore, some embodiments of theinvention have the advantage that powertrain service life may beenhanced. This is at least in part because some embodiments of theinvention are arranged to ensure the engine 121 has sufficient time towarm to a prescribed temperature before the engine 121 is connected to adriveline 130 and required to provide drive torque to drive the vehicle100. Embodiments of the invention provide a vehicle with increaseddrivability due to the ability to deliver substantially continuousacceleration capability through the location where the gradient is suchas to require operation in a parallel mode.

In some embodiments the controller 140 is configured to commandoperation in a parallel mode when it is determined that the distance ofthe vehicle from a boost location is less than or substantially equal tothe value of distance_to_torque. Provided the value of torque demandedfrom the powertrain is still less than the value required to assume aparallel mode, the controller allows the engine to warm and closes theclutch 122 as described above. If at any time during this period theamount of torque demanded by the powertrain exceeds that which may beprovided by the CIMG 123 alone, the controller 140 commands closure ofthe clutch 122 with no further engine warming performed. Otherarrangements may also be useful.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is arranged to determine when anengine start should be commanded by determining substantiallycontinuously the value of the time_to_torque period. The controller 140converts this time period into a distance and determines whether a boostlocation exists within this distance ahead of the vehicle 100 at anygiven moment in time. If the controller 140 determines that such alocation exists the controller 140 is configured to command operation ina parallel mode and therefore to command starting of the engine 121substantially immediately. That is, if a distance of the vehicle 100from the boost location is less than the distance required in order toallow the time_to_torque period to elapse before reaching the boostlocation, the controller 140 commands operation in a parallel mode andtherefore starting of the engine 121, warming of the engine 121 (and asa consequence warming also of an engine aftertreatment system) andsubsequent closure of the clutch 122.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration showing a vehicle 100 having thisfunctionality driving along a road 5 shown in cross-section (not toscale). It can be seen that the vehicle is at a location L1 at time t1.

When operating in EV mode with the ACC system 110A in ECO mode, thecontroller 140 monitors continuously a temperature of the engine coolantand a speed of the CIMG 123. The controller 140 uses this information todetermine a value of the parameters time_to_warm and time_to_connect,and therefore of the parameter time_to_torque. That is, the timerequired for (i) the engine 121 to be started, (ii) the engine 121 to bewarmed to a prescribed temperature (this time period being calculated bythe controller in dependence on a current value of engine temperature(as determined with reference to engine coolant temperature), the valuethen being stored in a memory of the controller 140), (iii) the enginespeed to increase to a value matching the speed of CIMG 123, and (iv)the clutch 122 subsequently to be closed to connect the engine 121 tothe CIMG 123. Once the value of time_to_torque has been calculated, thecontroller 140 determines the distance that will be travelled by thevehicle 100 in this time period, distance_to_torque, and subsequentlywhether an engine start is likely to be required within this distanceahead of the vehicle's current location. It is to be understood that insome embodiments, in addition to or instead of monitoring engine coolanttemperature the controller 140 may monitor the temperature of an engineaftertreatment apparatus or system in order to determine the parametertime_to_warm.

The controller 140 determines whether an engine start is likely to berequired by analysing data in respect of an altitude of the road 5 aheadof the vehicle 100 within a distance distance_to_torque and calculates agradient of the road 5 over this distance. If the gradient exceeds aprescribed gradient the controller 140 begins a torque deliverypreparation procedure. Data in respect of gradient may be provided by amap based system, the vehicle being provided with data in respect oflocation as described elsewhere herein.

In the example of FIG. 2, the controller 140 of vehicle 100 determinesat location L1 that operation in a parallel mode is not required withina distance distance_to_torque of its current location. The vehiclecontinues to location L2 (arriving at time t2), calculating an updatedvalue of distance_to_torque repeatedly and checking whether a gradientexists requiring operation in a parallel mode within a distancedistance_to_torque of the current location. At location L2 thecontroller 140 determines that a gradient does exist requiring operationin a parallel mode a distance less than or equal to distancedistance_to_torque from its current location. That is, when at locationL2 the controller 140 determines that location L3, which is within adistance distance_to_torque of L2, corresponds to a boost location. Thecontroller 140 immediately commences the torque delivery preparationprocedure. In the present embodiment the controller 140 does this bycommanding operation in a parallel mode.

According to the torque delivery preparation procedure, the controller140 commands starting of the engine 121. Once the engine 121 has warmedto that temperature the controller 140 commands connection of the engine121 to the CIMG 123 by means of the clutch 123.

In some embodiments the controller 140 is configured to provide acontrol signal to command operation in a parallel mode responsive towhich a different controller provides one or more control signals tostart the engine 121, and one or more control signals to close theclutch 122. Thus in some embodiments a different controller receives thesignal to operate in a parallel mode and performs the torque deliveryprocedure. Other arrangements may also be useful.

It is to be understood that the controller 140 may be configured toimplement a hysteresis function in respect of determination of thedistance to start the engine 121, in order to account for errors invehicle location determination associated with the GPS device 143 as thevehicle is driven. Thus, if the controller 140 determines that agradient requiring engine starting is present within a distancedistance_to_torque ahead of the vehicle's location in a direction oftravel of the vehicle but subsequently, before reaching the boostlocation determines that such a gradient is not within the distancedistance_to_torque, the controller 140 is configured not to cancelimmediately the request to start the engine 121, or shut down the engine121 if the engine 121 has already been started. Rather, the controller140 waits to see whether a subsequent determination is made that such agradient is within the distance distance_to_torque, and whether thesubsequent determination is made within a prescribed distance or time ofthe initial determination that an engine start is required. If such adetermination is made within the prescribed distance or time, thecontroller 140 continues with the torque delivery procedure. Otherwise,the controller 140 commands shutdown of the engine 121 when theprescribed period has elapsed. It is to be understood that this scenariomay be useful for example if a driver suddenly changes the route beingfollowed by the vehicle, for example by turning off the road 5.

In the example of FIG. 2 the vehicle 100 continues to location L3,arriving at time t3, with the ACC system 110A operating in ECO mode andwithout the driver demanding increased torque. At location L3, thecontroller connects the engine 121 to the CIMG 123 and continues tomonitor torque demand by the ACC system 110A. At location L3 the ACCsystem 110A demands increased torque due to the presence of asufficiently steep incline from location L3 to location L4. Thecontroller responds to the increased demand for torque by controllingthe engine 121 to deliver torque boost to the CIMG 123. In somealternative embodiments, positive torque delivery by the CIMG 123 may beterminated and the engine 121 alone caused to meet drive torque demand.The CIMG 123 may then be caused to idle, or to apply negative torque tothe engine 121 to generate electrical charge.

As the vehicle 100 travels from location L3 to location L4, thecontroller 140 continues to monitor an inclination of the road 5 aheadof the vehicle 100. However, because the powertrain 135 is now operatingin the parallel boost mode, the controller 140 monitors gradient aheadof the vehicle to determine when to switch off the engine 121 and returnthe powertrain to EV mode.

In order to accomplish this the controller 140 monitors the gradientwithin a prescribed distance distance_EV_location ahead of the vehicle100 to detect a location having a gradient sufficiently low to allowoperation of the powertrain 135 in EV mode at the required speed. Thislocation may be referred to as an EV location. In some embodiments thisis accomplished by the controller 140 by continuing to monitor gradientwithin a distance distance_to_torque of the current location of thevehicle, the value of distance to torque being calculated based on astationary engine, optionally a stationary engine at ambient temperatureor further optionally a fixed, prescribed temperature value. In someembodiments the value of distance to torque may be a fixed value thatdepends on a speed of the vehicle. Thus in some embodiments the value ofdistance_EV_location corresponds substantially to the value ofdistance_to_torque.

If an EV mode location is detected within a distancedistance_EV_location, the controller 140 then determines whether agradient exists within a prescribed distance ahead of that locationwhich would require the powertrain 135 to resume operation in theparallel boost mode if the powertrain were to switch to EV mode at theEV mode location. Thus the controller 140 determines whether a boostlocation exists within a prescribed distance ahead of the next EV modelocation. This prescribed distance may be referred to as a distancedistance_future_torque. In some embodiments the value ofdistance_future_torque is different from the value ofdistance_to_torque, typically a greater value in some embodiments.

It is to be understood that the reason for monitoring a distance of thenext boost location ahead of the next EV mode location is to reduce arisk of mode chattering. Mode chattering is a phenomenon in which apowertrain 135 switches repeatedly between modes such that the engine121 is switched between on and off states more than once in relativelyrapid succession. By determining the value of distance_future_torque,the vehicle 100 may determine whether to switch off the engine 121 atthe next EV location and switch the engine 121 back on when the distancefrom the next boost location falls below a value of distance_to_torque.In some embodiments therefore, if the value of distance_future_torque isless than a prescribed value, the controller 140 commands the engine 121to remain switched on even after the vehicle 100 passes the next EV modelocation.

In FIG. 2 it can be seen therefore that prior to time t1 the vehicle isoperated in EV mode. At time t2 the controller 140 determines that thedistance to the next boost location is less than a current value ofdistance_to_torque and therefore commands starting of the engine 121.Between times t2 and t3 the powertrain 135 operates in parallel modewith the engine 121 delivering substantially no torque to the CIMG 123,whilst between times t3 and t4 the powertrain 135 operates in the boostmode. Location L4, reached at time t4, is the first EV mode locationafter location L3 for which no boost location exists within a distancedistance_future_torque ahead thereof.

It is to be understood that between times t3 and t4 the powertrain 135operates in a parallel mode.

At time t4 the powertrain 135 resumes operation in EV mode as describedabove.

At time t5 the controller 140 determines that the distance to the nextboost location is less than the value of distance_to_torque andtherefore commands starting of the engine 121. The powertrain 135therefore assumes operation in parallel mode. Just before time t6 thecontroller 140 closes clutch 122 and the powertrain 135 is ready todeliver additional drive torque by means of the engine 121. Accordinglyat time t6 when the ACC system 110A demands more torque than can beprovided by the CIMG 123 alone, the powertrain 135 assumes boost modeand the engine 121 delivers drive torque.

At location L7, which is reached at time t7, the controller 140determines that the vehicle has reached an EV mode location for which noboost location exists within a distance distance_future_torque aheadthereof. The controller 140 therefore controls the powertrain 135 toresume operation in EV mode.

It is to be understood that the distance distance_future_torque may bedependent on vehicle speed in some embodiments. Other arrangements mayalso be useful.

FIG. 3 shows a scenario in which the vehicle 100 remains in the parallelmode even during a period when the powertrain 135 is capable ofoperation in EV mode.

At location L11 of the vehicle 100 the controller 140 determines that aboost location L12 is within a distance time_to_torque of the presentlocation. The controller 140 therefore controls the powertrain 135 tostart the engine 121. As the vehicle 100 continues its journey, thecontroller 140 determines that the next EV mode location is at locationL13. However the controller 140 also determines that the next boostlocation after location L13 (i.e. location L14) is at a distance d aheadof location L13 which is less than a value distance_future_torque. Thecontroller 140 therefore does not command assumption of EV mode when thevehicle 100 passes location L13. Rather, the controller 140 commands thepowertrain 135 to remain in the parallel mode, i.e. the engine 121remains switched on, whilst the vehicle 100 drives to location L14.

In some alternative embodiments the controller 140 determines a distanceto the next location at which switching on of the engine 121 would berequired in order to prepare the engine 121 to deliver torque at thenext boost location. That is, the distance to location L14′ of FIG. 3,which is located before location L14. If the distance to location L14′is less than a prescribed value, the controller 140 prevents the engine121 from being switched off before the vehicle 100 arrives at boostlocation L14.

When the vehicle arrives at location L14, as anticipated the ACC system110A commands an amount of torque from the powertrain 135 that exceedsthat which may be delivered from the CIMG 123 alone. Accordingly, thecontroller 140 controls automatically the powertrain 135 to deliverboost drive torque by means of the engine 121 as well as the CIMG 123.

As described above with reference to FIG. 3, as the vehicle 100continues in the parallel boost mode, the controller 140 determineswhether the next EV mode location lies within a certain distance of thevehicle's present location, and whether the next boost location afterthe next EV mode location is also within a certain distance. It is to beunderstood that in some embodiments the controller 140 may only becapable of analysing data a certain distance ahead of the vehicle.

When the controller 140 identifies the next EV mode location, anddetermines that the engine 121 should be switched off at the next EVmode location, the controller 140 is arranged further to determinewhether the engine 121 may be switched off in advance of the next EVmode location without an excessive fall in speed of the vehicle 100.

It is to be understood that in some scenarios, for example as thevehicle 100 approaches a brow of a hill as it travels uphill, it may bepossible to control the powertrain 135 to assume EV mode in advance of alocation at which a gradient of the driving surface is below thatrequiring operation in a parallel mode, with only a relatively smallreduction in vehicle speed. This is because a value of momentum of thevehicle 100 may be sufficient to enable it to reach the EV mode locationwith the engine 121 already switched off without losing an excessiveamount of momentum. Accordingly, the controller 140 is arranged todetermine a location early_EV_distance ahead of the EV mode location atwhich, if EV mode were assumed at that location, a drop in speed of thevehicle 100 before reaching the EV mode location would be less than aprescribed threshold value max_speed_drop. In the present embodiment,the controller 140 also checks that the vehicle speed is above athreshold min_speed and that the vehicle is not decelerating, beforeresuming EV mode ahead of the EV mode location.

With reference to FIG. 3, the controller 140 determines that the next EVmode location after boost location L14 is at location L16. Thecontroller 140 subsequently determines whether the vehicle speedcurrently exceeds a threshold value min_speed, and whether the vehicleis decelerating. If the vehicle speed does exceed min_speed and thevehicle is not decelerating, the controller determines whether a drop inspeed between the vehicle's current location and the next EV modeposition would exceed a value max_speed_drop.

If the controller determines that the drop in speed would not exceed thevalue max_speed_drop, the controller 140 commands assumption of the EVmode.

In the example of FIG. 3, the controller determines at location L15 thateach of these conditions is met and therefore commands assumption of EVmode at location L15, ahead of EV mode location L16.

Thus when the vehicle 100 reaches location L15, the controller 140determines that the vehicle speed is above the value min_speed, thevehicle is not decelerating, and the expected drop in vehicle speedbetween location L15 and EV mode location L16 is less thanmax_speed_drop. The controller 140 therefore controls the powertrain 135to assume EV mode at location L15.

FIG. 4 illustrates a similar scenario. Vehicle 100 is shown at alocation at which it is ascending a hill in parallel boost mode. Atlocation L21, the controller 140 determined that a distance to a boostlocation L22 was less than a value of distance_to_torque and thereforecommanded assumption by the powertrain 135 of the parallel mode atlocation L21. At location L22, where torque was demanded that exceededthat which could be supplied by the CIMG 123 alone, the powertrain 135assumed parallel boost mode. The controller 140 has also determined thatthe next EV mode location is at location L24, and that no boost locationexists within a distance distance_future_torque of location L24.

As the vehicle 100 continues with the powertrain 135 in parallel boostmode, the controller 140 determines whether the vehicle is permitted toassume EV mode ahead of EV mode location L24. The controller 140determines whether the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold valuemin_speed and whether the vehicle is decelerating. If the speed doesexceed threshold value min_speed and the vehicle is not decelerating,the controller 140 determines whether a drop in speed of the vehicle 100between its current location and the EV mode location L24 would exceedmax_speed_drop. If the drop in speed would not exceed max_speed_drop,the controller 140 controls the powertrain 135 to assume EV mode at thevehicle's current location. In the scenario shown in FIG. 4, EV mode isassumed at location L23, ahead of EV mode location L24.

It is to be understood that in embodiments in which the controller 140causes the vehicle to be operated in the parallel boost mode when theamount of required drive torque is more than that which can be providedin EV mode, and not the parallel idle or parallel recharge modes, theboost locations may be referred to as parallel boost locations. It is tobe understood that the controller may determine that operation in theparallel boost mode is required at these locations because operation ina parallel idle or parallel recharge mode may not be permitted undercircumstances where required torque demand exceeds that which may beprovided in EV mode. It is to be understood that the vehicle may stillbe caused to operate in a parallel idle mode following closure of aclutch to connect the engine to a driveline of the vehicle, inpreparation for assumption of the parallel boost mode, and the amount ofdrive torque provided by the engine 121 gradually increased as requiredin order to supplement the drive torque provided by the CIMG 123.

It is to be understood that in some embodiments an amount of fuelconsumed by the vehicle 100 and an amount of gas emissions may bereduced by assuming EV mode in advance of location L24.

Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention have theadvantage that a drivability of a motor vehicle may be increasedsubstantially. Furthermore, an amount of NVH associated with vehicleoperation when negotiating hilly terrain may also be reduced. Adurability of a vehicle may thereby be enhanced.

Embodiments of the present invention may be understood by reference tothe following numbered paragraphs:

1. A control system for a hybrid electric vehicle, the vehicle having apowertrain comprising at least one electric propulsion motor and atleast one engine, the control system being operable to control thevehicle to operate in an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the atleast one engine remains switched off and the at least one electricpropulsion motor is configured to deliver drive torque and a boost modein which the at least one engine is switched on to provide additionalpower to drive the vehicle,

-   -   wherein when the vehicle is operating in EV mode the system is        further operable to determine whether a boost location exists        ahead of the vehicle being a location at which a gradient of a        driving surface is sufficiently high to require selection of the        boost mode, the control system being operable automatically to        command starting of the at least one engine before the boost        location is reached.

2. A system as described in paragraph 1 wherein in the boost mode theadditional power to drive the vehicle is that power additional to thepower providable by the at least one electric propulsion motor which isrequired to drive the vehicle at a desired vehicle speed, and whereinthe boost location is a location at which a gradient of a drivingsurface is sufficiently high to require selection of the boost mode inorder to maintain the desired vehicle speed.

3. A system as described in paragraph 1 wherein the system is operableto allow a driver to set a target vehicle speed and to control thepowertrain to maintain the target vehicle speed, and wherein the boostlocation is a location at which a gradient of a driving surface issufficiently high to require selection of the boost mode in order tomaintain the target vehicle speed.

4. A system as described in paragraph 1 operable to command starting ofthe at least one engine sufficiently in advance of arrival at the boostlocation that the at least one engine may provide additional powersubstantially at that boost location.

5. A system as described in paragraph 1 operable to determine when tostart the at least one engine in dependence on an amount of timerequired to start the at least one engine and an amount of time requiredto deliver power to drive the vehicle by means of the at least oneengine following starting of the at least one engine.

6. A system as described in paragraph 1 operable to control the vehicleto operate in a parallel HEV mode in which the at least one enginedelivers drive torque to drive the vehicle.

7. A system as described in paragraph 1 operable to control the vehicleto operate in a series HEV mode in which the at least one engine drivesa generator to generate electricity to power the at least one electricpropulsion motor.

8. A system as described in paragraph 3 wherein when the vehicle isoperating in the boost mode the control system is operable to identifyan EV mode location being a location ahead of the vehicle at which agradient of the driving surface will be sufficiently low to allowresumption of operation in EV mode whilst allowing the target speed tobe maintained.

9. A system as described in paragraph 8 further arranged to determine alocation of the next boost location ahead of the next EV mode location.

10. A system as described in paragraph 9 operable to over-rideassumption of the EV mode at the next EV mode location if a time totravel from the next EV mode location to the following boost location isless than a prescribed time or a distance between the locations is lessthan a prescribed value.

11. A system as described in paragraph 1 configured wherein when thevehicle is operating in boost mode the control system is operable toassume EV mode in advance of arrival at an EV mode location if thecontrol system determines that EV mode may be assumed without a drop invehicle speed exceeding a prescribed value before the EV mode locationis reached.

12. A system as described in paragraph 11 operable to determine whetherEV mode may be assumed in advance of arrival at the EV mode locationwithout a drop in vehicle speed exceeding a prescribed value in furtherdependence on at least one selected from amongst a current speed of thevehicle and a current rate of acceleration of the vehicle.

13. A system as described in paragraph 1 wherein the control system isoperable in a first mode in which a target speed set by the driver ismaintained with the at least one engine maintained switched off and asecond mode in which a target speed set by the driver is maintainedwithout preventing stopping and starting of the at least one engine, thecontrol system being operable to start the at least one engine inadvance of arrival at the boost location only if the control system isoperated in the first mode.

14. A system as described in paragraph 1 comprising a locationdetermining apparatus, the system being operable to receive data inrespect of vehicle location and to determine driving surface gradient independence on the vehicle location data.

15. A system as described in paragraph 14 wherein the locationdetermining apparatus comprises at least one selected from amongst aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver and a cellular network locationdetermination system.

16. A system as described in paragraph 14 operable to access a databasecontaining data corresponding to a height or altitude of a drivingsurface as a function of location and to calculate a gradient of adriving surface ahead of the vehicle in dependence on said data and thedata in respect of the location of the vehicle.

17. A system as described in paragraph 14 operable to access a databasecontaining data in respect of driving surface gradient as a function oflocation and to determine a gradient of a driving surface ahead of thevehicle in dependence on the data in respect of the location of thevehicle.

18. A system as described in paragraph 3 operable automatically tocommand starting of the at least one engine before the boost location isreached regardless of whether or not a target vehicle speed has been setby the driver and the powertrain is controlled to maintain the targetvehicle speed.

19. A hybrid electric vehicle comprising a system as described inparagraph 1.

20. A method of controlling a hybrid electric vehicle by means of acontrol system, the vehicle having a powertrain comprising at least oneelectric propulsion motor and at least one engine,

-   -   the method comprising controlling the powertrain to operate in        an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the at least one engine        remains switched off and the at least one electric propulsion        motor is configured to deliver drive torque or a boost mode in        which the at least one engine is switched on to provide        additional power to drive the vehicle,    -   wherein when in EV mode the method comprises determining by        means of the control system whether a boost location exists        ahead of the vehicle being a location at which a gradient of a        driving surface is sufficiently high to require assumption of        the boost mode, and    -   wherein if a boost location is identified ahead of the vehicle        the method comprises commanding automatically by means of the        control system starting of the at least one engine before the        boost location is reached.

21. A method as described in paragraph 20 wherein in the boost mode theadditional power to drive the vehicle is that power additional to thepower provided by the at least one electric propulsion motor which isrequired to drive the vehicle at a desired vehicle speed, and whereinthe boost location is a location at which a gradient of a drivingsurface is sufficiently high to require assumption of the boost mode inorder to maintain the desired vehicle speed.

22. A method as described in paragraph 20 wherein the method comprisesallowing a driver to set a target vehicle speed and controlling thepowertrain by means of the control system to maintain the target vehiclespeed, and wherein the boost location is a location at which a gradientof a driving surface is sufficiently high to require assumption of theboost mode in order to maintain the target vehicle speed.

23. A method as described in paragraph 20 comprising in the boost modecontrolling the powertrain to operate in a parallel recharge mode inwhich the engine drives a generator to recharge a battery of the vehicleand in addition the engine provides drive torque to drive the vehicle,optionally the generator being provided by the electric propulsion motoroperating in a generator mode.

24. A method as described in paragraph 20 comprising in the boost modecontrolling the powertrain to operate in a parallel idle mode in whichthe engine provides drive torque to drive the vehicle and an electricpropulsion motor does not provide drive torque.

25. A method as described in paragraph 20 comprising in the boost modecontrolling the powertrain to operate in a parallel boost mode in whichthe engine and electric propulsion motor deliver drive torque to drivethe vehicle.

26. A hybrid electric vehicle comprising:

-   -   a controller; and    -   a powertrain comprising at least one electric propulsion motor        and at least one engine,    -   the powertrain being operable by the controller in an electric        vehicle (EV) mode in which the at least one engine remains        switched off and the at least one electric propulsion motor is        configured to deliver drive torque and a boost mode in which the        at least one engine is switched on to provide additional power        to drive the vehicle,    -   wherein when in boost mode the controller is further operable to        determine whether an EV mode location exists ahead of the        vehicle being a location at which a gradient of a driving        surface is sufficiently low to allow assumption of the EV mode        whilst maintaining the target vehicle speed to within a        prescribed amount, the controller being operable to allow        assumption of the EV mode before the EV mode location is reached        responsive to a determination that a drop in vehicle speed        before reaching the EV mode location will not exceed a        prescribed amount.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words“comprise” and “contain” and variations of those words, for example“comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to”, andare not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives,components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, thesingular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires.In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specificationis to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity,unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties orgroups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment orexample of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to anyother aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatibletherewith.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A control system for a hybrid electricvehicle, the vehicle having a powertrain comprising at least oneelectric propulsion motor and at least one engine, the control systembeing configured to control the vehicle to operate in an electricvehicle (EV) mode in which the at least one engine remains switched offand the at least one electric propulsion motor is configured to deliverdrive torque and in a boost mode in which the at least one engine isswitched on to provide additional power to drive the vehicle, thecontrol system being configured to receive a target vehicle speed set bya driver and being configured to control the powertrain to maintain thetarget vehicle speed, wherein the control system includes adetermination module configured to, when the vehicle is operating in EVmode, determine whether a boost location exists ahead of the vehicle,wherein the boost location is a location at which a gradient of adriving surface requires selection of the boost mode in order tomaintain the target vehicle speed, the control system being configuredautomatically to command starting of the at least one engine before theboost location is reached and wherein, when the vehicle is operating inthe boost mode, the control system is configured to assume the EV modein advance of arrival at an EV mode location if the control systemdetermines that EV mode may be assumed without a drop in vehicle speedexceeding a prescribed value before the EV mode location is reached. 2.The control system of claim 1, wherein, in the boost mode, theadditional power to drive the vehicle is power from the at least oneengine that is required in addition to power provided by the at leastone electric propulsion motor to drive the vehicle at a desired vehiclespeed, and wherein the boost location is a location at which thegradient of the driving surface requires selection of the boost mode inorder to maintain the desired vehicle speed.
 3. The control system ofclaim 1, further configured to command starting of the at least oneengine in advance of arrival at the boost location such that the atleast one engine may provide the additional power at the boost location.4. The control system of claim 1, wherein the determination module isconfigured to determine when to start the at least one engine independence on an amount of time required to start the at least oneengine and an amount of time required to deliver power to drive thevehicle via the at least one engine following starting of the at leastone engine.
 5. The control system of claim 1, further configured tocontrol the vehicle to operate in a parallel hybrid electric vehicle(HEV) mode in which the at least one engine delivers drive torque todrive the vehicle.
 6. The control system of claim 1, further configuredto control the vehicle to operate in a series HEV mode in which the atleast one engine drives a generator to generate electricity to power theat least one electric propulsion motor.
 7. The control system of claim1, wherein, when the vehicle is operating in the boost mode, the controlsystem is configured to identify an EV mode location ahead of thevehicle at which a gradient of the driving surface allows resumption ofoperation in EV mode whilst allowing the target speed to be maintained.8. The control system of claim 7, wherein the determination module isfurther configured to determine a location of a next boost locationahead of a next EV mode location.
 9. The control system of claim 8,wherein the determination module is configured to determine the time ordistance between the next EV mode location and the next boost location,wherein the control system is further configured to over-ride assumptionof the EV mode at the next EV mode location if a time to travel from thenext EV mode location to the next boost location is less than aprescribed time or a distance between the EV mode location and the nextboost location is less than a prescribed value.
 10. The control systemof claim 1, wherein the determination module is configured to determineat least one of a current speed of the vehicle and a current rate ofacceleration of the vehicle and wherein the control system is furtherconfigured to determine whether the EV mode may be assumed in advance ofarrival at the EV mode location without a drop in vehicle speedexceeding a prescribed value in further dependence on at least oneselected from amongst a current speed of the vehicle and a current rateof acceleration of the vehicle.
 11. The control system of claim 1,wherein the control system is operable in a first mode in which thesystem is configured to receive a target speed set by the driver andmaintain the target speed with the at least one engine switched off andin a second mode in which the system is configured to receive a targetspeed set by the driver and maintain the target speed without preventingstopping and starting of the at least one engine, the control systembeing configured to start the at least one engine in advance of arrivalat the boost location only if the control system is operated in thefirst mode.
 12. The control system of claim 1, further comprising alocation determining system, and wherein the control system isconfigured to receive vehicle location data from the locationdetermining system and to determine driving surface gradient independence on the vehicle location data.
 13. The control system of claim12, wherein the location determining system comprises at least one of aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver and a cellular network locationdetermination system.
 14. The control system of claim 12, furtherconfigured to access a database containing data corresponding to aheight or altitude of the driving surface as a function of location andto calculate the gradient of the driving surface ahead of the vehicle independence on the height or altitude data and the vehicle location data.15. The control system of claim 12, further configured to access adatabase containing data regarding driving surface gradient as afunction of location, and to determine the gradient of the drivingsurface ahead of the vehicle in dependence on the vehicle location data.16. The control system of claim 1, further configured automatically tocommand starting of the at least one engine before the boost location isreached regardless of whether or not the target vehicle speed has beenset by the driver.
 17. A method of controlling a hybrid electricvehicle, the vehicle having a powertrain comprising at least oneelectric propulsion motor and at least one engine, the method comprisingthe following performed by a control system of the vehicle: controllingthe powertrain to operate in an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which theat least one engine remains switched off and the at least one electricpropulsion motor delivers drive torque or a boost mode in which the atleast one engine is switched on to provide additional power to drive thevehicle; receiving a target vehicle speed set by a driver; controllingthe powertrain to maintain the target vehicle speed; determining, whenthe vehicle is in the EV mode, whether a boost location exists ahead ofthe vehicle, wherein the boost location is a location at which agradient of a driving surface requires assumption of the boost mode inorder to maintain the target vehicle speed; and responsive toidentifying the boost location, commanding automatically starting of theat least one engine before the boost location is reached; and assumingthe EV mode in advance of arrival at an EV mode location if the controlsystem determines that EV mode may be assumed without a drop in vehiclespeed exceeding a prescribed value before the EV mode location isreached.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein, in the boost mode, theadditional power to drive the vehicle is power that is required inaddition to power provided by the at least one electric propulsion motorto drive the vehicle at a desired vehicle speed, and wherein the boostlocation is a location at which the gradient of the driving surfacerequires assumption of the boost mode in order to maintain the desiredvehicle speed.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising, in theboost mode, controlling the powertrain to operate in a parallel rechargemode in which the engine drives a generator to recharge a battery of thevehicle and provides drive torque to drive the vehicle.
 20. The methodof claim 17, further comprising, in the boost mode, controlling thepowertrain to operate in a parallel idle mode in which the engineprovides drive torque to drive the vehicle and the at least one electricpropulsion motor does not provide drive torque.
 21. The method of claim17, further comprising, in the boost mode, controlling the powertrain tooperate in a parallel boost mode in which the engine and the at leastone electric propulsion motor deliver drive torque to drive the vehicle.22. A hybrid electric vehicle comprising: a control system; and apowertrain comprising at least one electric propulsion motor and atleast one engine, the powertrain being configured by the control systemin an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the at least one engineremains switched off and the at least one electric propulsion motordelivers drive torque, and a boost mode in which the at least one engineis switched on to provide additional power to drive the vehicle, thecontrol system being configured to allow a driver to set a targetvehicle speed and being configured to control the powertrain to maintainthe target vehicle speed, wherein, when in the boost mode, the controlsystem determines whether an EV mode location exists ahead of thevehicle at which a gradient of a driving surface allows assumption ofthe EV mode whilst maintaining the target vehicle speed to within aprescribed amount, the control system being configured to allowassumption of the EV mode before the EV mode location is reachedresponsive to a determination that a drop in vehicle speed beforereaching the EV mode location will not exceed a prescribed amount.